follicular lymphoma

Definition: formally designated as follicle center cell lymphoma with follicular growth it is a common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma; of B-cell origin, they may consist of primarily small-cleaved cells, large cells, or a mixture of the two types. Most follicular lymphomas have a t(14;18) gene translocation resulting in a rearranged and constitutively overexpressed gene called BCL-2 that acts as an antiapoptotic oncogene. These tumors are generally not curable but have a prolonged natural history. Characteristic immunophenotype of these cells is CD10 positivity, in addition to B-cell–associated antigens CD19 and CD20.